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7.25.2022

Code of Courage ~ Review

Code of Courage
By Janice Cantore

Detective Danni Grace has given fifteen years of her life to being the best police officer she can be. But everything changed in an instant when a misleading video goes viral - riots in LA County have spilled over into neighboring La Rosa, and Danni gets caught in the violence targetting the local police. 

After sustaining an injury that could have been deadly, Danni is rethinking her life. Why should she continue to serve and protect the very people who are now attacking her physically, verbally, and emotionally? Could she just walk away from who she was and reinvent herself in a distant paradise? 

But soon, Danni finds herself drawn into a murder case - is a young officer she trained responsible for the death of a community activist? Or is the La Rosa Police Department the victim of a well-planned setup? To get the answers that will determine not only her fate but that of every officer in the department, Danni will have to do the one thing she never thought she'd do. She'll have to reach out to her ex-husband and work with him to determine what is happening and discover who is ready to destroy her hometown.

Code of Courage could be ripped from the headlines with this storyline. How do you handle unrest that threatens the lives and possessions of everyday citizens, all in the name of allowing citizens to have a voice with no consequences? Will politics allow protestors to go unchecked as they riot, loot, and stir up general discontent, all while throwing any and all consequences out the window? When is enough, enough? This is an interesting read as one gets into the mind of a police officer dealing with the new fraught atmosphere that is the world we now find ourselves living in or at least observing through the eye of the media. I personally don't know how I'd react to such hate and vitriol being directed at me just for doing my job. I know from experience in my own job that angry people can be scary, and I have never faced a group of angry people. So yeah, good book but also an unsettling one. Where do you stand? is what you'll come away with after reading this newest offering from Janice Cantore.                  

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:
Detective Danni Grace has never met a police officer who wants to face a scenario where pulling the trigger on another person is the only option. When the worst does occur and there's a police-involved shooting, it leads to riots and calls to disband the entire police force in La Rosa, Danni's hometown.

After fifteen years on the force, Danni has had enough. Injured in the line of duty when a protester throws a chunk of concrete at her and shaken by the vitriol being shown to the police, Danni realizes for the first time that she's lost her passion for the job.

While she's on a leave of absence, though, a community activist in La Rosa is shot and a fellow officer is blamed for his murder. Taking on this case means stepping back into a job Danni's not sure she can do anymore . . . and working closely with her ex-husband, Gabriel Fox, an investigator for the city prosecutor's office. Danni will need to tap into her code of courage to uncover the truth, prevent another injustice, and uphold her oath to serve and protect.

7.19.2022

Texas Buried Secrets ~ Review

Texas Buried Secrets
Cowboy Lawmen #6
By Virginia Vaughan

For ten years, Deputy Cecile Richardson has been searching for her best friend, who went missing at a graduation party. But with nothing to go on, her case is cold. Getting justice for Erica and the hope of something more than friendship with Sheriff Josh Avery are the only things keeping her in Courtland, Texas when she comes to the attention of a serial killer. 

Vowing to bring the killer to justice was just the challenge the killer needed, and he is determined that Cecile will be his next victim. To stay alive, she'll need all the help she can get, and Josh wants to be the one at her side. But he can't risk anything more, not with the cloud of doubt hanging over his head.

Texas Buried Secrets will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. I don't watch scary movies, but I imagine many of the thrillers that are so popular would give one the same feeling as this did. I kept waiting for the killer to pop out at any opportunity and start terrorizing any and all in his proximity. The book is intense and yet not over the top. I will admit Josh needed a good shaking to make him wake up and realize what a muddle he was making of everything. 

This is the final book in the Cowboy Lawmen series, and though it would be beneficial to read all the books in order, you can read this book as a standalone title if you haven't read the other books. So make an appointment with your favorite reading nook for a weekend getaway with a book or two, with this being the first in your tbr pile.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.



About the Book:
An uncovered grave reveals a deadly secret…

Publicly vowing to bring a serial killer to justice, Deputy Cecile Richardson solidifies herself as the criminal’s next target. And when a newly discovered victim is identified, it becomes even more personal for Cecile. She will solve this cold case. Can Sheriff Josh Avery keep her safe long enough to identify and catch the culprit—or will the killer successfully hunt down his prey?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Cowboy Lawmen

Book 1: Texas Twin Abduction
Book 2: Texas Holiday Hideout
Book 3: Texas Target Standoff
Book 4: Texas Baby Cover-Up
Book 5: Texas Killer Connection
Book 6: Texas Buried Secrets

7.15.2022

Among the Innocent ~ Review

Among the Innocent
By Mary Alford

Ten years ago, Leah Miller was the sole survivor of an attack that stole the lives of her family. The police laid the blame on Leah's friend, who later died in an act of suicide. But it seems the police were wrong, and the killer is back, and he wants Leah to know.

Leah is now with the police, and she is determined to get justice for her family and the new victims. The new police chief Dalton Cooper is determined to prove that this new murder isn't a copycat but rather the work of the same man. But where has "John" been all these years, and why does he seem intent on not only targetting Leah but "connecting" with her?

Calling on all the forces at their disposal, Leah and Dalton work together to stop a killer who takes cruel pleasure in hurting the Amish and their daughters. But to take down this killer, the past and all its secrets must be revealed. Someone knows something - the only question is, who knows what?

I don't think I would call this book a gentle read or a cozy mystery. I wouldn't say it is overly graphic, but some of the imagery is detailed so that the horror of the crimes is more than hinted at. This book is classified as a Romantic Suspense, and as such, the two main characters are drawn to one another. Is it true romance or just a product of the stress and the personal nature of the attacks? That's something you'll have to discover for yourself when you read the book. The story's pacing is well suited to an almost desperate search for clues while not coming across as frantic. I have previously read the author's work from Love Inspired Suspense, and this is equal to those but with more to the story.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book
When Leah Miller's entire Amish family was murdered ten years ago, the person believed responsible took his own life. Since then, Leah left the Amish and joined the police force. Now, after another Amish woman is found murdered with the same MO, it becomes clear that the wrong man may have been blamed for her family's deaths.

As Leah and the new police chief, Dalton Cooper, work long hours struggling to fit the pieces together in order to catch the killer, they can't help but grow closer. When secrets from both of their pasts begin to surface, an unexpected connection between them is revealed. But this is only the beginning. Could it be that the former police chief framed an innocent man to keep the biggest secret of all buried? And what will it mean for Leah--and Dalton--when the full truth comes to light?

USA Today bestselling author Mary Alford keeps you guessing as two determined souls plumb the dark depths of the past in order to forge a brighter future--together.

7.13.2022

Finding Her Amish Home ~ Review with Giveaway

Finding Her Amish Home JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 
Finding Her Amish Home by Pamela Desmond Wright, 

Finding Her Amish Home

Finding Her Amish Home
Humble Blessings #1
By Pamela Desmond Wright

Maddie Baum is the only mother her nephew Josh can remember and she's determined to protect him from the father she blames for her twin sister's death. Leaving Pennsylvania behind for a small unknown Amish community in Wisconsin seems to be her best option.

When she gets a friendly welcome from Abram Mueller, she feels that perhaps she has found her forever home. Most welcome Maddie and Josh but not everyone is happy about an Englisher spending time as part of the community.

Finding Her Amish Home is a story of new beginnings, second chances, and hope. The story is fairly straightforward with one wondering just what Maddie isn't sharing. One is rooting for Maddie and Abram to get the family that they have wanted but seemed unattainable. This is also a story of fear - fear of what might go wrong, of rejection, and of letting go of the past and its mistakes. Overall a good story and a good fit with the Love Inspired brand.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.                                  

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Finding Her Amish Home 
Series: Humble Blessings #1 
Author: Pamela Desmond Wright 
Publisher: Love Inspired 
Release Date: June 28, 2022 
Genre: Contemporary Amish Romance, Christian 

What she wants more than anything 

Could also be the most dangerous… 

After her twin sister’s death, Maddie Baum flees to Wisconsin Amish country with her nephew in tow in the hopes of protecting him from his criminal father. Befriending Amish shopkeeper Abram Mueller gives her a glimpse of the happiness she’s been yearning for all along. Can she find a fresh start with Abram—or will old sins tear them apart? 

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope. 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | ChristianbookBookBub

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

pamela desmond wright  
Pamela Desmond Wright grew up in a small, dusty Texas town. Like the Amish, Pamela is a fan of the simple life. Her childhood includes memories of  the olden days; old-fashioned oil lamps, cooking over an authentic wood-burning stove and making popcorn over a crackling fire at her grandparent’s cabin. She also loves needlepoint and has dozens of projects to work on! Someday, she hopes to move into van life, living on the road as a traveling writer.


CONNECT WITH PAMELA:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter


TOUR GIVEAWAY

Main Prize - (1) winner will receive a Kindle eReader 1st runner-up
(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card 2nd runner-up
(1) winner will receive a signed print copy of Finding her Amish Home and a King James version of the Bible

Finding Her Amish Home JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight July 12, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 19, 2022. US only. Items may vary from image. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

7.12.2022

Of Brighter Days ~ Review

Of Brighter Days
Hearts of Eire #2
By Rachel Nickle

Both Norah McGowan and Finnegan Boyd are trapped by the hurts and pains of the past. Neither is willing to reveal what their private pain is but each is a caring and loving individual - except that Norah is determined to keep Finn at a distance. But Finn is determined to find out why he is the one member of the Boyd family Norah is determined to disapprove of.

Life hasn't been easy for the Boyds - lack has caused them to leave their beloved Ireland behind for the chance of at least surviving in Liverpool. But Liverpool isn't the haven of opportunity that they had been hoping and praying for. Instead, they are met with hate, disdain, and outright anger over their Irish heritage in a very English city. With little hope of anything better the Boyds and Norah find themselves looking to America as their new hope for not just survival but living.

The voyage is anything but easy and the cost is high. The hope that America offers is within their grasp and Finn and Norah have hope that they too will have a future together. But, there is always a but, sometimes the past won't let its grip loosen and Norah and Finn know all too well its power.

Of Brighter Days is a story of hope for what may be. Can this hope be found in a place? Or is it a state of mind and heart? Is it with the people who mean the most to you? This is a lovely piece of historical fiction that will touch the heart of any who reads it. The characters are engaging and relatable with a hidden layer that keeps you reading hoping that one can discover what makes each person unique.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:
Norah McGowan has kept Finnegan Boyd at a distance since the moment they met, and, unfortunately for Norah, who is set on keeping her past behind her, she is an enigma the normally reserved Finn is determined to figure out. Although she is closed about her past, she is also kind and caring--to everyone except Finn.

Both get more than they bargained for when Finn's family and Norah must travel to America in the wake of the Great Famine and troubles with the law in their current home in Liverpool. Aboard a ship bound for new opportunities and a better life, Finn and Norah grow closer, no longer able to deny the draw they feel to one another. Amidst sorrow and loss, they finally open up to one another to reveal pasts that make any future together impossible. They must navigate beyond the chasm of misunderstanding and differences in religion if they ever want to win a chance at love and belonging.
 

Impending Strike ~ Review with Bookstagram Giveaway

Impending Strike

Elite Guardians Collection #2
By Sami A. Abrams and Lynette Eason

Charlie Lee is the only guy in the Elite Guardians and he has no problem with that. His friendship with his partner Lizzie Tremaine is what it is, but if things were different, if he were different he wouldn't mind something more. But he has his work and his special undercover assignment from the mayor to help bring done the growing drug threat.

Lizzie has been keeping a secret, one she fears could get her ousted from the Guardians if the truth ever came out. But she's protected her secret for years and can't see herself ever revealing her greatest weakness. When she misses a call for help from her best friend she fears it is her fault. If Charlie pulls through she'll just have to keep more distance between them, after all, she doesn't want another good man's blood on her hands.

An unexpected attack costs Charlie four years of memories and the threat of a deadly upcoming attack has been lost along with everything else. Can Charlie remember before it is too late? And can Lizzie keep him alive long enough for his memories to return?

Impending Strike is the second book in the Elite Guardians Collection and it keeps the action going full speed as the Guardians deal with a threat to their own while trying to uncover why Charlie was attacked. What did he hear or see? And is his cover still intact?  Though this is part of a series this thrilling read can be read as a standalone if you have not read the other Elite Guardian books - though reading one can never be as satisfying as reading them all. Excellent reading if you want something that takes you out of your day-to-day normal. This is one you won't want to put down.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations, but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.                                                                                                                  

Protecting him just might cost her everything…

Elite Guardian Charlie Lee knows that there is no future with the woman he loves—fellow Guardian Lizzie Tremaine. And, he gets it—as a single mom, Lizzie has to protect her daughter. But more than anything, he wants the chance to prove himself.

Then, the unthinkable happens—while working undercover, Charlie is seriously injured…and his memory of the past four years is lost. Could it be the fresh start that he didn’t realize he longed for?

Despite a friendship that’s turned flirtatious at times, Lizzie Tremaine has held Charlie at arms’ length. She’s lost all the men she’s ever loved, and is unwilling to risk her heart again. Still, she’s glad to keep an eye on him—as his bodyguard—and while she’s at it, help him put the pieces of his past together, including discovering who attacked him, and why.

But Charlie seems to have forgotten their agreed-upon professional distance—and suddenly, all the rules are off the table. She’s seeing a side of Charlie she could possibly let into her heart. The problem is, the closer he gets to uncovering his memories, the closer he gets to trouble.

It’s her heart…or his life. What will protecting Charlie cost her?

Another edge-of-your-seat Elite Guardians thriller!

Be sure to enter the giveaway on my Instagram post for a chance to win.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf5sspwA8PP/


7.10.2022

Enriched ~ Review

Enriched
Knights of Brethren #4
By Jody Hedlund

Torvald, one of the Knights of Brethren, has been called home - he must marry to save his family estate from ruin. He has no choice in the manner, though marriage is the last thing he wants. Marriage destroyed his father and he refuses to ruin himself by loving his wife. Love is a weakness and he refuses to fall into its entrapment. He'll marry and then return to his quest for the sacred chalice that holds the promise of healing for the queen, after all, he has a duty.

There is just one problem with Torvald's plans, Lady Karina is not only lovely in appearance but in spirit. Karina has spent the last three years in a convent fully intending to take her vows to the church when her father makes a request of her. Can she give up her dreams of being a nun and marry a man she has never met? Duty to her family finds her agreeing to her father's wishes but with no promise of a future marriage with love, she feels rejected. Can she love him and hope to change his mind?

As the threat of war draws ever closer Torvald does what he must in service to the kingdom all while fighting to keep his vow of never loving his wife. Karina does all that she can to keep Torvald safe even if it breaks her heart. And sacrificing all her happiness may be the only way she can save the man she has come to care for.

Enriched is the fourth book in the Knights of Brethren series and it in no way disappoints or backs away from the quest that has bound the Knights together. This book continues the quest into Hardanger Forest that was begun by Gunnar in Ensnared (Book 3). Now if you haven't read any of the previous books, I would recommend reading them first as this series needs to be read in order to fully understand and appreciate all the layers to the series. Each book builds on the previous one so reading out of order will throw you off.

As with all of Jody Hedlund's books, this is another must-read. The setting is medieval so if you love books that are set within this time frame and want them to be on the clean side of romance with not a lot of graphic anything you will want to add this to your tbr list.  A perfect teen read selection.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own. 


About the Book:
During a time when legends were born . . .

A wealthy noblewoman with a heart of gold, a wounded knight closed off to love, and the sacrifices for a chalice that can bring healing.

Lady Karina lives in a convent and expects to become a nun someday. When her wealthy father asks her to help his textile business become more successful by marrying one of the popular Knights of Brethren, Karina complies, ever the dutiful daughter.

During a royal quest to find the sacred chalice, Torvald is called home to save his family’s estate through an arranged marriage to a wealthy maiden. Although willing to do his duty, he’s vowed never to give his heart to anyone after watching his father suffer heartbreak over a woman.

As Torvald weds the kind and lovely Karina, he resists the pull of attraction to his bride. Even though Karina feels the sting of Torvald’s rejection, she chooses to love him unconditionally. As he resumes his search for the chalice and puts his life in jeopardy, Karina makes the ultimate sacrifice for him. Will he have the chance to love her in return before it’s too late?

The real story of the Holy Grail continues . . .